The cold has played havoc on my batteries yet again, the lifeblood of my technological existence here in the forest. Seems I've never really given full respect to the energy I've been using over the years. Bigger TV, wireless router, new speakers for my iPod, when does it end? It just has. Upon my return from Kingston last week, I've re-evaluated and found a new respect for my utilities. I've never really formed a "connection" to my systems until now, closely watching the voltmeter as to not put too much pressure on the system during the cold bite of a winters eve. The real change happened when I was shown a glimpse of the Christmas Spirit, a glimpse of how simple life can really be. While rummaging through an old plastic tool box under the yurt, I noticed a small delicate bundle of grasses and leaves neatly tucked under the black tray within. As I lifted the tray to desperately find a wrench that I knew I didn't put back where I should have, I saw this little bundle move. A little head poked through the entanglement of grass. Fleeting thoughts raced through my head of scaring the little occupant from my tool shed away and destroy her little home, when it hit me. Sitting before me in it simplistic form is a true case of survival, a case of a mother taking care and providing for her family. As she looked up at me it was almost as she had said "please sir, it's so very cold outside". Slowly putting the plastic tray back down where it were and neatly arranging the tools again so as to not disturb her yet again, I stepped back and quietly said to myself "sleep well little one, stay warm tonight".

Christmas is just a few short days away, as the wind picks up and the snow continues to build, I know for certain that there will be a mouse that will still have protection for her family. As I stood there and contemplated my thoughts, I realized that we're all in search of the same things this holiday season. We search for protection, we search for warmth, we search for love, we search for home. I felt a little warmth in my heart that night, I felt a small taste of the true Christmas Spirit, most of all, I found myself at home.

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